India women’s superstar Poonam Yadav was the match-winner for the team during the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. But she could not give her best in the grand final against Australia which India went on to lose. The leg-spinner has now opened up on her feelings after the defeat.
Earlier this month, in the finals, Australia’s strong team dominated the field and created the pressure on the Indian bowlers. The experienced Poonam managed to pick up one wicket, but she was not economical in the final. Thus, India, who played their maiden final in the T20 WC history, lost the game by 85 runs.
Indian players are strong mentally: Poonam Yadav
Defeat in final is always depressing and somewhere it also affects the environment of the dressing room. However, Poonam believes that the team is strong mentally and will surely move on from the loss.
“I wouldn’t say, we fell short. We played good cricket throughout the tournament. We didn’t play well in just one match. The team that played better that day won. In T20, one over or one batter can change a game,” Poonam said.
“Indian players are strong mentally. Unlike them, We handle and survive difficult situations in our everyday lives. That day all of us should have taken the responsibility (of winning the game) but we couldn’t.”
Poonam had recovered from the injury before playing in the mega event. Her non-bowling hand had a plate inserted. In that tournament, her best figures were during the opening match against Australia. She picked four wickets in that game while giving just 19 runs in her four-over quota.
However, the Agra born cricketer could not repeat the same stunt in the marquee clash, but she has been praised for her efforts. Although the tournament ultimately didn’t go in India’s favour, the team had many positives to drive out. The youngster Shafali Verma was the finding of the tournament. She was the highest scorer for the team during the tournament.
Currently, the women’s team is not scheduled with any matches.